Northern Ireland dentist honoured for outstanding career

11 December 2017

Northern Ireland dentist Seamus Killough is being honoured with Fellowship of the BDA, for his long and outstanding career, as well as for his tireless commitment to improving the working lives for dentists in the country.

Seamus Killough qualified with a BDS in 1973 from Queen's University Belfast. Following a house officer job in the Royal Victoria Hospital and a year as an associate, he then became principal of two practices located in the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle until 2003, and Cushendall until 2016.

He has been involved with the BDA locally and nationally throughout his career, and over the years has worked with various colleagues and bodies within dentistry including the Department of Health, Health and Social Care Board, Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) and Manchester University.

Seamus worked as part of the team producing the protocol for an NIHR funding HTA clinical research trial in Northern Ireland, 'A randomised controlled trial to measure the effects and costs of a dental caries prevention regime for young children attending primary dental care services (NIC-PIP)'.

He has held a seat on Northern Ireland Council since 2007, holding the position of Chair from 2007- 2015. During this time, he was a member of the BDA's Representative Body (now the Principal Executive Committee) and the last three years of his term one of the Chairs on the newly formed UK Country Council. Seamus also served as BDA NI Branch President in 2013.

Seamus is widely respected within the dental community and it was with great pleasure that the Northern Ireland County Council put him forward him for this prestigious accolade.

In nominating him for this award, Richard Graham, Vice Chair of the BDA Northern Ireland Country Council said:

"Seamus has given outstanding lifetime commitment to the BDA, his fellow professionals and his patients. He's worked tirelessly to but forward the views of the profession, providing evidence to the Health Committee of the Northern Ireland Executive, and answering questions about oral health issues. He is a true advocate for the BDA and dentistry.

"I think he has brought huge benefits to the profession in Northern Ireland, and has shared his skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and passion, even through these often frustrating and difficult times. He's an inspiration to us all."

Know someone going that extra mile? Get them recognised!

BDA Honours and Awards recognise the amazing contributions members make to both to the BDA, serving on committees and being involved at the local level, as well as outstanding commitments to the profession in the national, government and/or international spheres.

We encourage nominations from all areas and stages of dentistry, and we seek to represent the diversity of dentistry today, and ensure the work of inspiring dentists is recognised.